Understanding what to expect during spinal fusion recovery can help you prepare for the changes you need to make. Dr. Jason McGowan, a board-certified neurosurgeon in Denver who specializes in spinal fusion surgery and scoliosis surgery for adults, guides patients through the process of spinal fusion recovery in this detailed video. Dr. McGowan completed the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Complex Spinal Deformity Fellowship with specialization in degenerative spinal conditions, including scoliosis, complex spinal deformity, and spinal reconstruction. Spinal fusion is a commonly performed type of back surgery used to relieve pain from degenerative disc disease and other conditions, including scoliosis. Also referred to as lumbar fusion when performed in the lower to middle back, spinal fusion recovery time will vary based on the number of levels being fused, the patient’s overall health and compliance with post-surgery instructions. There are some key stages in spinal fusion recovery and some things you can do to help improve your back surgery outcome and speed up healing and recovery.